High-leverage practices (HLPs) and evidence-based practices (EBPs) when used together can become powerful tools for improving student outcomes. This brief is designed to show the promise of these practices in advancing educator preparation and practice and, subsequently, outcomes for students with disabilities and those who struggle. We begin by…

The primary purpose of this publication is to provide those involved in special education teacher preparation and professional development with a set of high-leverage practices (HLPs) that were identified through consensus among special educators. These HLPs may be used to design a cohesive set of practice based opportunities to support teacher…

Definitions of social skills and conceptualizations of social skill deficiencies are presented, along with an overview of social skills assessment, articles on the assessment of social skills with handicapped and nonhandicapped children, and a variety of social skills assessment instruments. Discussed are the following five methods of assessing…

Learning disabled (LD) students are often poorly accepted by peers and exhibit deficits in social skills. Research on LD students' social behavior is reviewed and the definition, assessment, and classification of social skill deficits are discussed. Needed improvements in professional training, in practice, and in public policy relating to LD…